Lee Seung-gi: 'My Life Shined While Appearing on '1 Night and 2 Days"

Lee Seung-gi expressed his feelings before the last filming of "1 Night and 2 Days".

All-round entertainer Lee Seung-gi expressed his feelings before the last filming of the KBS 2TV variety program "1 Night and 2 Days" by leaving his own thoughts entitled "1 Night and 2 Days" on his official homepage and fan club homepage on February 10. He said, "I have appeared on '1 Night and 2 Days' for six years, and my life seems to have shined while filming this program for the past six years. I have learned many things and I have become a mature person while working with many nice people".

He revealed that he felt very empty before filming the last episode of the program and he expressed his sad feelings by saying, "I might not be able to have a chance to appear on this kind of program again in the future. My life for the past six years with this program can be remembered as the most exciting and memorable time. I had great fun while filming this program".

Lee Seung-gi gathered up his thoughts and said, "I do not want to stay where I stand now only because of the anxiety about the future without this program, and I might feel ashamed if I just decide to stay here. I will start to build another tower from the beginning, and it will be my responsibility as entertainer Lee Seung-gi".

"1 Night and 2 Days" filmed it's last episode of the first season from February 10 through 11, and it will be broadcast for two weeks on February 18 and 26. The second season of "1 Night and 2 Days" will begin airing from next month, and the cast members of the first season except Lee Seung-gi and Eun Ji-won will appear again with new members. Actors Kim Seung-woo and Joo Won and singer Seung Si Kyung are cited as the most likely new members at this moment.

Source : english.kbs.co.kr/Ent... ( English Korean )

Director Son Moon-kwon Commits Suicide

Though it has been a few weeks, recent reports indicate that director Son Moon-kwon has committed suicide on January 21st. Son was known for his lead in the popular drama "New Gisaeng Story", in partnership with his screenwriter wife Im Seong-han.

The director's family reported that Son hung himself near the stairs of his home two days before the Lunar New Year. His wife, Im, was the first to come across his body. The family members also revealed that Im had initially asked them to not let Son's other family members know. However, they felt it was not right to keep such a truth a secret.

Despite the success of the drama "New Gisaeng Story", producer Son dealt with depression stemming from personal family issues involving his autistic son.

Another project was in the works for the director-screenwriter couple, with a drama set to air in the first half of 2012. Son's death leaves the industry wondering what will become of this upcoming production.

Source : english.kbs.co.kr/Ent... ( English Korean )

Kim Soo-hyeon-I and Lee Min-jeong "Those who deserve Valentine's Day chocolates"

Kim Soo-hyeon-I and Lee Min-jeong were chosen as the ones who most people would like to give Valentine's Day chocolates to.

A survey was conducted on the 9th with men and women in their 20s to 30s by Social Dating. 34% single ladies voted Kim Soo-hyeon-I and 44% single men voted for Lee Min-jeong.

Song Joong-ki and Won Bin came next with 20% and 17% then Lee Seung-gi and Micky Yuchun from JYJ.

IU and Suzy followed with 25% and 12% and then Kim Tae-hee and Yoona in fourth and fifth place.

Source : news.nate.com/view/20... ( Korean )

Credit to hancinema.net

Kim Tae-hee embarrassed by male model

Actress Kim Tae-hee was embarrassed by a male model.

A picture came up on an internet portal site on the 9th titled, "Kim Tae-hee's head size that kills the male models'".

Kim Tae-hee is sitting in a chair wearing shorts in an advertisement from the past. Something else that catches the eye besides the shorts is her head size. Her head seems unrealistically small compared to the one of the male model's and is half the size of his.

Netizens say, "It's hurting my mouth to say that her head is so small now", "The male also seems like a model but she's smaller than him", "I must never take a picture next to her" and more.

Kim Tae-hee is currently residing in the country looking at her next project.

Source : news.nate.com/view/20... ( Korean )

Credit to hancinema.net

Lee Joon-ki plans packed comeback

Lee Joon-ki is just days away from completing his mandatory military service on Feb. 16, and his agency already has a jam-packed scheduled prepared for him.

First, Lee will release a new album in Japan next month, betting that his popularity there outlasted his military service.

Titled "Deucer", the album is comprised of four new songs selected by the entertainer.

"The new single will mark the second phase of my life after conscription", Lee said. "The title track 'Together' encapsulates the feeling of optimism that I have about the future".

On the day he is discharged, Lee will also host a fan meeting. The one-hour event will take place at Sangmyung Art Center in central Seoul. Around 655 fans, including some from China and Japan, will attend the event. Tickets for the event went on sale on Jan. 10 and sold out in one minute.

Later in the month, Lee will travel to Japan and hold fan meetings there from March 16 to 19. He will also hold promotional events for the new album.

Source : koreajoongangdaily.jo... ( English Korean )

Katherine Heigl's music video has Korean fans buzzing

The music video directed by actress Katherine Heigl as a tribute to her daughter has netizens in Korea buzzing.

The video for the song "Naleigh Moon" was written and sung by Heigl's husband Josh Kelley for their daughter Naleigh Moon, who the couple adopted from Korea in 2009. The video was released in the United States earlier this year and is from Kelly's 2011 album "Georgia Clay".

The video chronicles Naleigh Moon's life to date against the mellow tune written for her by Kelley. It begins with images of the girl's passport and legal documents and traces her journey from Korea, where she was born as Gim Yu-mi, to the United States.

The clips in the video show the baby's early development and are interspersed with shots of the family of three together.

With lyrics such as "Halfway around my little world/ You had no idea that you were my girl/ You found my arms not a moment too soon/ I couldn't see past me 'til I saw you", the song pays tribute to the Hollywood couple's three-year-old daughter.

The video ends with the exuberant child clapping at seeing her father performing on stage and running into his arms.

The video has become a big hit online in Korea, with fans gushing, "How beautiful" and "I've watched it over and over again".

By Carla Sunwoo [carlasunwoo@joongang.co.kr]

Source : koreajoongangdaily.jo... ( English Korean )

Kim Beom Breaks His Boundaries in 'Padam Padam'

Actor Kim Beom, who played Lee Kook Soo in the drama "Padam Padam... The Sound of His and Her Heartbeats", said, "I agonized over the character very much as the angel seemed to be too humane".

The little prince has disappeared and an excellent rookie actor has appeared. Kim Beom (23) abandoned his previous image of a handsome and bright man and he came back as a mature man with his brand new appearance in the JBC drama "Padam Padam... The Sound of His and Her Heartbeats", which finished airing on February 7. He played an angel in the drama, but the angel had a tough life. He was released from prison, and he even felt a strong impulsion to kill somebody even though he was an angel. The character Lee Kook Soo is an extraordinary character on a TV drama, and Kim Beom presented a completely new appearance for the first time in seven years since his debut. Kim Beom came to Samcheongdong on February 7 to give an interview with the same appearance of Lee Kook Soo except Lee's gimlet eyes and sharp retorts, and he said with his original polite attitude, "I really wanted to become Lee Kook Soo while playing him. It was very difficult to express his complicated emotions and situation, but he was a very attractive and funny character.

I enjoyed it very much while playing him. He was such an unpredictable man, and I had been very curious about what he will do in the next moment while filming each episode. I could learn many things from this drama". He continued, "Some people say that they like my previous image and some say that they like my current image, but I basically think that having and presenting various images seems to be a very good thing for an actor".

The soft image of "Little Prince" that Kim Beom had shown for the past six years disappeared while he was playing Lee Kook Soo. He lost 11 kilograms, which makes him look very sharp, and his slender body and loose jacket gave him a tough appearance. Moreover, his vague eyes that sometimes look like those of an angel and sometimes like those of evil seem to have energy and vitality that he had never shown before. Kim said, "I was very shocked when my mother told me that I presented eyes of evil in the drama. My mother told me that she was shocked at my strong and tough facial expressions, but actually I was more shocked at her vocabulary, saying 'evil' (laugh)". But it was easy to notice that Koo Soo's tough and hot-blooded temper did not originate from his evil character.

He showed profound affection towards Yang Kang Chil (Jeong Woo-seong) whom he believed he had to protect as a guardian angel. The reason Lee Kook Soo sometimes presented a demonic look was all because of his anger and hatred towards people who tried to hurt Yang Kang Chil. Kim Beom said, "Kook Soo is a very humane angel. There was no reference for the character, so playing him in the drama was very difficult for me. I always agonized over how to present the character, but I felt curious about the exciting character at the same time. I decided to appear in this drama as I had a strong trust in writer Noh Hee Kyung, so I depended on the script and played the character while hypnotizing myself by saying, 'I am an angel', and I naturally came to have ardent love towards Yang Kang Chil. I was eager to find ways to save Kang Chil". The angel, Lee Kook Soo, performed a miracle three times for Kang Chil, who had a time-limited life, but he could not protect him from dying at the end, which made Kook Soo feel skeptical about his existence as an angel. Kim said, "I think that Kook Soo makes us realize that a miracle is not something big, but a thing that we can easily perform with our strong will. And he also reminds us that there are many valuable and precious emotions that we forget while we are living in this tough world. I could learn many things from this drama, more than any other works, and I think that I might remember this drama for a long time in the future".

Kim Beom debuted in 2006 with his appearance in the sitcom "High Kick!" as a high school student, and he became a representative pretty boy by playing the heir of a conglomerate named So Yi Jeong in the drama "Boys over Flowers" in 2009. He became one of the Hallyu stars at that time, but he suddenly took a rest in 2011. Kim said, "I had rushed forward without much thought since debut, and it was like running a marathon without controlling my speed. I was overworked for several years, so I wanted to give myself a break for a year. I could think about many things while exercising and I could finally obtain energy to make a comeback". Kim Beom's previous image did not match the image of Lee Kook Soo at all, but Kim Beom persuaded the director and the staff members as he completely fell in love with the story after reading the script. After he was cast for the role, he perfectly changed his image. Kim Beom said, "I worked with the actress Na Moon Hee for a long time when I appeared in 'High Kick!', but she could not recognize me at first (laugh). She asked me why I had lost so much weight and she gave me snacks and food after that". Kim Beom made his last comment, "I think that I could broaden my acting boundaries thanks to this drama while playing this extraordinary character. I want to challenge myself more with new experiences. I want to keep running for a long time while controlling my pace".

Source : english.kbs.co.kr/Ent... ( English Korean )

Kim Seon-ah ""The Sun and the Moon" is everywhere"

Kim Seon-ah showed how big a fan she is of the drama "The Sun and the Moon".

She posted on her Me Today homepage, "Although the sun and the moon can't be in the sky at the same time, they can be reflected in a pond. Did you ask to be forgotten? Do you wish to be? I am sorry that although though I tried to forget you, it cannot be done. It's so awesome. When the moon is up we sleep and when we wake up the sun is there. I wish for a warm sun tomorrow".

She then continued, "Shut that mouth, because I don't want to see it. Stand around for the time being. Everywhere I go it's about the sun and the moon".

Kim Seon-ah revealed that she is a fanatic of the current MBC drama "The Sun and the Moon" and she repeated the highlights of the drama. Last week's episodes of "The Sun and the Moon" took in 40% of viewers and is becoming the national drama of the season.

Those who have read Kim Seon-ah's "The Sun and the Moon" say, "You watch it too? Me too! I don't know anyone who doesn't!", "You should act in a historical drama like "The Sun and the Moon" too!", "You noted the highlight-worthy lines, I will be waiting for your next project" and more.

Source : news.nate.com/view/20... ( Korean )

Credit to hancinema.net

Jang Dong-gun and Kim Ha-neul confirmed to star in SBS's "A Gentleman's Dignity"

Actor Jang Dong-gun and actress Kim Ha-neul will star in a drama as lovers.

Jang Dong-gun and Kim Ha-neul have confirmed to star in the new SBS weekend drama "A Gentleman's Dignity", which is coming this May. They have joined hands with writer Kim Eun-sook and producer Shin Woo-cheol from "Secret Garden".

"A Gentleman's Dignity" is a romantic comedy about four middle aged people who have reached their 40's but are still romantics and four women who long for romance.

Jang Dong-gun, who is returning to TV for the first time in 12 years, will be taking on the role of spiteful architecture firm manager Kim Do-jin. Kim Ha-neul is not tough but determined, not bad-tempered but cool high school teacher Song Ee-soo.

Jang Dong-gun said, "The conditions were hard for me because of the Chinese movie I am filming but the crew's consideration and effort helped to put everything into place and I decided to work together with them because of trust".

Kim Ha-neul said, "I am happy to be working with writer Kim Eun-sook and producer Shin Woo-cheol from "On Air" again".

The production announced, "Thanks to the will of the crew to create something perfect, the casting took a long time. We hope everyone's anticipation matches the effort we've put in so far".

Source : news.nate.com/view/20... ( Korean )

Credit to hancinema.net

Korean Restaurants Recognized by the Michelin Guide

[Interview : Veronica] "Today, a student named Veronica will visit the Korean restaurants introduced in the Michelin Guide".

I love Korean food. So I've decided to take this book and choose three Korean very famous traditional dishes and go on a trip around Seoul.

The Michelin Guide is the world's most trusted guide to restaurants, and now Korean restaurants have been recognized with a guide of their own.

[Interview : Kim Bo-hyeong, CEO Michelin Korea]

Michelin is the only restaurant guide that has more than a century of history. It was only able to survive all these years because the critics maintained their independence, ensuring that Michelin will be a trustworthy guide to quality food and service.

This is Dongdaemun Market.

[Interview : Veronica] "Today it's freezing cold, and we are here in Dongdaemun. Dongdaemun is a very famous market in Seoul".

The alley behind the market is famous for its restaurants.

Visitors are treated to a variety of offerings.

A Michelin Guide restaurant is hidden here, in this alley.

[SOV]

[Interview : ] "Excuse me, where can I find this place"

[Interview : ] "Yes, it's over there. Jinokhwa Chicken. It's over there".

The place seems well-known among all the street vendors.

[Interview : Veronica] "Wow. There are so many people!"

[Interview : Go Sun-deok, Manager] "Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Chicken"

[Interview : Veronica] " What's the "One Chicken"

[Interview : Go Sun-deok, Manager] "It's an entire chicken boiled and served in broth".

[Interview : Veronica] "Fried chicken"

[Interview : Go Sun-deok, Manager] "No, not fried. It's in a broth".

What does chicken taste like in broth[Interview : Veronica] "The lady's right. It doesn't taste like chicken. It'sthe flavor is different. It's so healthy and refreshing".

After finishing the chicken, the leftover broth is used to cook noodles.

The mild seasoning makes it perfect for foreigners.

[Interview : Onishi, Tourist Japan] "Everything that goes into this is good".

Insadong is a favorite destination among tourists.

Here, tradition meets modernity.

[Interview : Michelle, Tourist United States] "I found out from her".

[Interview : PD] "Oh, really"

[Interview : Michelle, Tourist United States] "I've been here before on business about five or six times, and everyone says this is the place to come. And I love it".

There are lots to see in Insadong. The streets are filled with traditional Korean decorations and pottery.

[Interview : Veronica] "Beautiful. I found it! It's right here. The Ssamjigil!"

The second Michelin restaurant is here, in Insadong.

It is a restaurant that serves hanjeongsik, or Korean course meal. The restaurant is inside a traditional Korean house with a tiled roof. Guarded by pine trees and covered with a coat of white snow, the restaurant looks like something out of an old painting.

[Interview : Veronica] "This is a very traditional Korean-looking place".

The interior is no less breathtaking than the exterior.

[Interview : Veronica] "Oh, wow! This is really nice".

Guests in each room can enjoy their meal in privacy.

Yoon Hui-ok, Manager

Dure

This house is over a hundred years old.

And now for the main event! The table is filled with dishes including rice and soup.

[Interview : Kim Yeong-suk, Director Dure] "The menu changes every day. Our guests are served food made only with ingredients that are properly in season".

There's everything here, from steamed short ribs inside a squash to green onion pancakes to tofu served inside a sliced lemon.

Hanjeongsik is popular among tourists who love variety along with great taste.

[Interview : Veronica] "Wow. There are so many different foods in Korea. I wish I could eat like this every day. You can never get tired of this food because you have so many to choose from. Very nice".

The Michelin Guide also includes travel suggestions, and one destination is Sungkyunkwan, the most prestigious educational institution of the Joseon Dynasty. Today, there is a university of the same name.

Near Sungkyunkwan, there is a famous pork rib restaurant.

Many of the restaurant's clients are cab drivers, who need a quick and hearty meal.

[Interview : Kim Pyeong-pan, Taxi driver] "This is a restaurant well-known to all the taxi drivers in Seoul".

[Interview : Veronica]

Oh, really[Interview : Kim Pyeong-pan, Taxi driver] "There are about 80,000 taxi drivers in Seoul. They all know this place".

This was one of the city's first restaurants to cater to cab drivers. It's past the lunch rush, but there are still some late diners.

[Interview : ] "For taxi drivers, time is money, so the most important thing for a restaurant like us is to serve our food quickly. We've been here for 40 years now".

This is the pork bulbaek [불백] that has kept customers returning for 40 years.

Fast, affordable, and delicious. What could be better for a cabbie in Seoul[Interview : Lee Yong-ho, Diner] "Things never change here. It always tastes the same. Nothing changes. That's why people keep coming here".

The pork here is taken from a whole pig that is brought in fresh from the slaughterhouse.

[Interview : ] "We only use female pigs that have never had piglets. That way, the fat isn't very thick and the meat is tender".

Customers here do not need to cook their own meat. The pork, which has been marinated for a day, is cooked in the kitchen.

[Interview : Veronica

] "The second reason why this place is so famous is because of this. It's called yeontanbul, and they cook the galbi here. And apparently it gives the meat a very special and deep flavor".

[Interview : Veronica

] "It's not only delicious, but it's so cheap. Imagine getting all this food for only 6,500. That's a good deal".

Wrapping up her day of culinary delight, Veronica writes down a few notes.

[Interview : Veronica

] "Today I not only tried delicious food, but also got to meet many people with warm hearts. I'm very happy for everything I could experience here in Korea".

Source : www.arirang.co.kr/New... ( English Korean )

So Ji-sub donates old clothes and shoes to charity

Some 170 personal effects of actor So Ji-sub were sold for charity on Feb. 4 to benefit the Korea Foundation for Persons with Disabilities, the star's agency announced Feb. 7.

At the charity's headquarters in Yeouido, western Seoul, more than 100 members of So's official fan club from Korea and abroad were present to purchase items, most of which were old articles of clothing or shoes, according to the agency.

Young So Sa, as the fan club is known, has been regularly making donations to the organization, and its members took part in volunteer projects.

"We are so glad to have been able to help out those with disabilities alongside So Ji-sub", the head of the fan club said.

Meanwhile last month, So and Han Hyo-joo, who co-starred in the film "Always", saw a screening of the movie in Thailand while attending the first annual Hua Hin International Film Festival.

"Always" is a tragic love story about a down-on-his-luck boxer who falls for a woman who is losing her sight yet still sees the joy in life. It opened in Korea last October.

By Carla Sunwoo [carlasunwoo@joongang.co.kr]

Source : koreajoongangdaily.jo... ( English Korean )

"The King" Ha Ji-won studies the North Korean language

Actress Ha Ji-won is currently deeply engrossed in studying the North Korean language. This is because she has currently landed herself the role of North Korean Special Forces Sergeant Kim Hang-ah in the upcoming MBC drama "The King". Ha Ji-won has started learning the North Korean language along with further comprehending her character. Given that it is her specialty to learn something new every time she starts a role, this time it is very important that she learns the North Korean dialect.

A person close to her said, "She is learning the language from a former North Korean soldier who has defected. Her job is a sergeant in the drama and there are lots of episodes featuring the military so learning from a former solider helps her a lot". As Kim Hang-ah is the first female sergeant in the North Korean Special Forces, she is known as a legendary female who even men avoid getting in trouble with and therefore she should perform action and stunts in this drama as well.

The person continued, "We think there will be action scenes in this drama but nothing they will include nothing special that she has to learn. She is just weight training like she usually does. Her action performance will just feature the basics. There are no wire action scenes and but she could do them if required".

Ha Ji-won had previously done wire-based action sequences in the MBC drama "Damo". This time she is reuniting with producer Lee Jae-gyoo in "The King".

"The King" is about an arranged marriage between a South Korean prince and a North Korean sergeant under a fictional constitutional monarchy and will be broadcast after the current drama "The Sun and the Moon".

Meanwhile, Ha Ji-won will be visiting Japan next month for "Secret Garden" promotional events. This drama will air beginning in April on cable channel NHK BS Premium and Ha Ji-won and Yoon Sang-hyeon will go around Japan promoting it.

Source : news.nate.com/view/20... ( Korean )

Credit to hancinema.net

[Spoiler] "Ojak Brothers" Song Seon-mi accepts a proposal

Song Seon-mi accepted Yeon Woo-jin's propose.

Yeo-wool (Song Seon-mi) accepted Hwang Tae-pil's (Yeon Woo-jin) proposal on the latest episode of KBS weekend drama "Ojak Brothers".

Yeo-wool awkwardly left her seat when Tae-pil asked her to join his family gathering. She wasn't ready to meet his family yet. However, she pondered the times she had with him and made up her mind.

Trying to see how she was feeling, Tae-pil said, "I'm sorry I called you out to a place like that without saying anything. Are you mad?" and she answered, "Yes I am. If you had told me earlier I would've gone to the hairdressers and made up my face to look younger".

She continued, "I like you. I want to introduce you to my sister. Will you come?" Tae-pil was touched and hugged her without caring about those around them.

The two have finally confirmed their love for each other, but their families are weirdly connected as Tae-pil's brother Hwan Tae-beom married Yeo-wool's niece Cha Soo-yeong (Choi Jeong-yoon). The last four episodes of the drama should show if the four people can succeed in marriage despite the disapproval from their families.

Source : news.nate.com/view/20... ( Korean )

Credit to hancinema.net

Song Hye-kyo shining in Paris... did she lose weight?

From Song Hye-kyo's fan café, "Sunflower"...

Actress Song Hye-kyo has goddess-like beauty.

She revealed pictures of herself in Paris on her fan café on February 3rd. These pictures have now become popular on various portal sites.

In the picture Song Hye-kyo looks like she has honey-like skin without make-up. Her natural pictures on the streets of Paris also look like a professional photo collection.

Those who have seen the pictures say, "Song Hye-kyo indeed, her life is a photo portfolio", "She's so pretty I drooled", "I think she lost a lot of weight" and more.

Meanwhile, Song Hye-kyo has been cast for the new movie "Wicked Love", directed by John Woo, alongside with Zhang Ziyi.

Source : news.nate.com/view/20... ( Korean )

Credit to hancinema.net

"Padam Padam" Jeong Woo-seong and Ha Ji-min in bed

Jeong Woo-seong and Han Ji-min's bed scene will bring tears to your viewing experience.

The February 6th episode of JTBC drama "Padam Padam... The Sound of His and Her Heartbeats" will show Kang-chil (Jeong Woo-seong) and Jina's (Han Ji-min) bed scene.

This scene also features Kang-chil confessing to Jina, who lives life to the fullest. However, they know they have to end their love with broken hearts, so this scene should seem more affectionate and heart aching.

A spokesperson said, "This tearful bed scene should ring in our hearts. It's sad but we hope you stay with us until the end of their wonderful love".

Source : news.nate.com/view/20... ( Korean )

Credit to hancinema.net

Micky Yoochun and Han Ji-min's first script reading

SBS drama "The Rooftop Prince" had its first script reading.

The entire crew of "The Rooftop Prince" gathered at the SBS Ilsan Production Center and had their first camera tests and script reading. There was a newsbreak about the intense cold outside but the room was hot with the passion of the crew.

Micky Yoochun, Han Ji-min, Jeong Yoo-mi and Lee Tae-seong stood out perfectly in the camera test prior to the reading and the three handsome men who fly into the 21st century from the Chosun times -- Jeong Seok-won, Lee Min-ho-I and Choi Woo-sik -- looked like they were going to make a few women cry.

Director Sin Yoon-seob, writer Lee Hee-myeong and the crew met during the reading that took place in the later evening and applauded the beginning of the drama's filming. Chairman Park Jong from SBS Plus and Kim Yeong-seob, General Manager of the SBS Drama Department, attended the script reading and showed their anticipation.

It is said that although it was just a reading, all the cast did their best as if it was the real scene.

"The Rooftop Prince" is about a prince from the Chosun times traveling into 2012 Seoul in search of a lost romance and will broadcast its first episode in mid-March.

Source : news.nate.com/view/20... ( Korean )

Credit to hancinema.net

Park Ha-seon's graduation picture's

Actress Park Ha-seon's graduation pictures from university have been revealed.

Several pictures titled, "Park Ha-seon's graduation pictures" were posted online on February 3rd.

These pictures are from the Dongguk University Department of Performing Arts. She is wearing a white jacket, looking clean, and is wearing a graduation cap in another picture. She looks very intelligent with the smile on her face.

Those who have seen the picture say, "She looks so calm", "She is so pretty", "I want her as my daughter-in-law" and more.

Park Ha-seon is currently in the MBC daily sitcom "High Kick 3, The Short Legs Counterattack" as a bright and cheerful language teacher.

Source : news.nate.com/view/20... ( Korean )

Credit to hancinema.net

"The Sun and the Moon" breaks its ratings record again

MBC drama "The Sun and the Moon" is headed right for a 40% share of viewers.

According to AGB Nielsen Media Research on February 3rd, the latest episode of "The Sun and the Moon" rated 37.1%.

This is 2.6% higher than the previous episode on February 1st and is currently its best numbers yet.

The drama put up numbers as high as 18% from the first episode, broke through 20% by the second and then 30% by the fifth. If this rate continues then it will be soon enough that the drama breaks through 40%.

The last drama that recorded a national viewing percentage of over 40% was the 2010 KBS 2TV drama "Bread, Love and Dreams". Prior to that was MBC's "Queen Sundeok" in 2009.

SBS drama "Take Care of Us, Captain" rated 7.5% and KBS 2TV's "Wild Romance" rated 4.5%.

On "The Sun and the Moon" Lee Hwon (Kim Soo-hyeon-I) realized that Wol's (Han Ga-in) handwriting was the same as Yeon-woo's.

Source : news.nate.com/view/20... ( Korean )

Credit to hancinema.net

CN Blue becomes first K-pop band to perform on MTV Japan's 'Unplugged'

CN Blue has become the first Korean band to appear on MTV Japan's acoustic live-performance program "Unplugged". The band's agency, FNC Music, announced on Wednesday that CN Blue recorded the episode in front of a live audience in Tokyo on Tuesday.

The band sang a total of 12 songs including "Where You Are", which was released in Japan on Tuesday, as well as previous hits "Let's Go Crazy", "Try Again, Smile Again" and "Kimio".

The MTV program is taped in front of a small crowd and prohibits the use of synthesizers in favor of acoustic instruments. CN Blue's performance was attended by just 150 audience members despite some 15,000 fans having applied for tickets.

"We were surprised at how many people wanted to attend the event. We gave it our best to make it the best performance for the fans", the band said after the taping. The program will air in Japan on Feb. 25.

CN Blue made its debut in Japan last year with an album release.

Source : koreajoongangdaily.jo... ( English Korean )

Kim Hyun-joong Sweeps Japanese Charts

Singer Kim Hyun-joong is enjoying huge popularity in Japan since his solo debut there. He had already gained a steady fan base there with boy band SS501 and his part in the hit drama "Boys over Flowers".

Having released his Japanese debut single titled "KISS KISS/Lucky Guy" on Jan. 25, Kim held on to the second place on the Oricon weekly charts by selling over 100,000 copies in the first week. He is being bombarded with requests for appearances on major music programs on NHK, TV Asahi and Fuji TV.

Kim will meet over 20,000 fans to celebrate the release of the album in Yokohama Arena on Sunday.

Source : english.chosun.com/si... ( English Korean )

Soo Ae "Relationship with Jeong Tae-won? Will take legal measures"

Actress Soo Ae's management company revealed their course of action regarding the scandal with chairman Jeong Tae-won of Tae Won Entertainment.

Chairman Jeong Yeong-beom from Star J Entertainment, which Soo Ae is in, told Star News on February 2nd, "The report that said Soo Ae and Jeong Tae-won are in a relationship isn't true. We will take legal measures regarding this".

Chairman Jeong said, "The two have been close since she starred in his drama and they have dinners with other members of the cast or drink wine together very often. We are going to take legal measures given that their picture was taken and used maliciously".

Soo Ae met chairman Jeong Tae-won in 2010 through the drama "ATHENA".

Source : news.nate.com/view/20... ( Korean )

Credit to hancinema.net

Yoo Seung-ho gets his physical check up for national military service

Actor Yoo Seung-ho talked about his experience going through the physical examination for national military service.

At the press preview for the TV Chosun drama "The Proposal" on the 31st of January, Yoo Seung-ho said, "I thought something would change when I became twenty. But it's just the same. I thought I would be happy but there's nothing that much different".

He continued, "When it comes to acting, now that I am a grown-up I feel scared that I have to take responsibility and do things on my own".

About the physical examination he said, "It was something new. I have to go away for my national service but I will tell you the details later".

Meanwhile, "The Proposal" is based on a popular Japanese drama from 2007 and is a fantasy melodrama about time travel. It will be aired for the first time on February 8th at 8:50PM.

Source : news.nate.com/view/20... ( Korean )

Credit to hancinema.net

Shin Hyeon-joon is a bride's brother

Actor Shin Hyeon-joon is set to make an appearance on the KBS action drama "Doll Mask".

A representative from the program confirmed yesterday that Shin will guest star as the brother of protagonist Kangto, played by Joo Won, on the show.

"Shin will play Kangsan, who plays a significant role in influencing Kangto as he turns from his pro-Japanese ways into a patriotic superhero", the representative said.

Shin said he is excited about the guest spot. "As a fan of the original comic, I want to do the best job that I can", he said.

The actor also said that he was thrilled to be working with Joo, of whom Shin said he is a fan.

This will be Shin's first appearance in a drama in three years. His last was SBS's "Cain and Abel" in 2009.

"Doll Mask", set to air in May, is based on the comic by famed cartoonist Heo Yeong-man.

The drama is set against the backdrop of Japan's colonial rule of Korea and is based on a heroic figure who wears a kaksital, the mask of the bride character in traditional mask dance dramas, as he seeks justice.

Source : koreajoongangdaily.jo... ( English Korean )

Epani's boyfriend proposes in front of packed audience

Entertainer Epani was in for a surprise when the lights went out during a curtain call for the musical "Let's Go to the Rose Inn" on Jan. 31. The model-turned-singer was bowing to the crowd at Venus Hall in central Seoul when the lights went dark and the romantic song "What a Relief" started playing as the star's boyfriend appeared on stage.

"As a bee is drawn to honey, I am naturally drawn to you. I promise to love you and then love you some more", musical actor Seo Sung-min said as he got down on one knee.

Seo presented his lover with a three-carat diamond ring thought to be worth around 350 million won ($310,700). The crowd went wild as Epani accepted the public proposal and treated the fans to a passionate kiss.

"No date has been set for the big day, but I can tell you that she was ecstatic about the proposal", a representative from Epani's agency told My Daily on Feb. 1.

Entertainment news Web sites have since speculated that the wedding will take place in March. The couple seems to be wasting little time on romantic niceties, as the engagement comes just one month after they publically confirmed their relationship.

On Dec. 23, Epani's agency said the star had been seeing Seo for the past five months. The couple met in August when they took part in the celebrity drag-racing event "R Stars". One month after becoming acquainted, the two officially started dating.

Epani rose to fame in 2006 after winning a model search contest run by Playboy Korea. The starlet was previously married and has a six-year-old son.

By Carla Sunwoo [carlasunwoo@joongang.co.kr]

Source : koreajoongangdaily.jo... ( English Korean )